The Pistons and Wizards finish the back end of an old-fashioned, hockey-style, home-and-road back-to-back tonight, and on ice, you can always figure the first-game chippiness, particularly if compounded by a second-game blowout, often results in dropping the gloves in the third period.

Basketball players aren't known for the fisticuffs but if the Wizards are ever going to put up any fight at all this season -- and their NBA-worst record raises some doubt in that regard -- it would be tonight, at home, against a team which hasn't fared well on the road.

We aren't suggesting the Wizards either put up their dukes or turn tail. But do they have enough fight left in them to turn tonight into a physical game and defend home court?

DAVID MAYO

The X-factor for the Wizards is the availability of Nene, whose interior presence was missed when he was sick and missed the Pistons' 100-68 blowout on Friday night. If he's back, that could help. Same with guard Bradley Beal, who missed Friday's game with a sore back.

Still, the Wizards will be down four other players, and figure to dress a maximum of 11. They were humiliated Friday. Even Hooper, the mascot, drilled Wizards coach Randy Wittman with a toy basketball shot from one of those stadium bazooka things, and Wittman was none too pleased. The Pistons outrebounded them, had more second-chance points, had more points off turnovers, all the stuff that indicates heart and willingness.

I don't know whether Charlotte, another horrible team, is worse, but the Wizards looked like a bunch of professional sparring partners Friday night. There was some chippiness in the first game, a flagrant foul, some dead-ball bumping between Brandon Knight and Jordan Crawford, a clear-path foul, and other lesser offenses, so the situation could be a bit combustible. I just don't think the Wizards have a fuse.

BRENDAN SAVAGE

It would only seem logical that the Wizards would put up more of a fight tonight, not only because they're at home but because they were embarrassed Friday night.

Of course, there are two factors to consider: This is a really bad team and Washington is dealing with a ton of injuries after dressing just nine players in Friday's 100-68 loss at The Palace.

At some point, you'd think professional pride would kick in and the Wizards will turn it up a notch in front of the home fans even if they are playing short-handed again. I just don't think they have the talent to beat the Pistons, especially in back-to-back games.

The result might not be as one-sided but I like the Pistons' chances at winning two in a row heading into a three-day Christmas break.

READER REACTION

Are the Wizards just a punching bag or will they stand up to protect their home court tonight?